Lead Member: Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance

Lead Officer: Rachel Robinson, Executive Director for Public Health

RESOLVED:

1.     That Cabinet reviewed the proposed schemes outlined in the attached Appendix 1  

2.     That Cabinet delegated approval of the finalised delivery plan to the Councils S.151 Officer in consultation the Portfolio Holder for Finance. 

2.1     That the finalised delivery plan, as set out in Appendix 1, was approved for  implementation by the Crisis & Resilience Fund working group and Voluntary and Community Sector partners and is shared with the Department for Work & Pensions as required as part of this fund.

3.     That Cabinet advocated for and encouraged the entire Council to support the “no-wrong-door approach” for crisis and resilience support both as Portfolio Holders and Local Members.

4.     That further information in various formats (leaflets, PDF, jpg) be made available to members for sharing within their local communities.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report, which replaced the previous Household Support Fund and provides targeted support to residents experiencing financial hardship. It was noted that the funding is provided by central government and includes a specific allocation to support households using oil, LPG and other solid fuels.

Cabinet noted that the fund will be delivered through partnership working with the voluntary and community sector, applying a “no wrong door” approach to access and aiming to provide timely support in urgent cases. It was confirmed that blanket schemes could not be used under the funding criteria and that support would be targeted at those in greatest need, including households not in receipt of benefits.

Members emphasised the importance of clear and accessible communications, including information for Members and community venues, to ensure residents are aware of the support available.

RESOLVED:

1.     That Cabinet reviewed the proposed schemes outlined in the attached Appendix 1  

2.     That Cabinet delegated approval of the finalised delivery plan to the Councils S.151 Officer in consultation the Portfolio Holder for Finance. 

2.1     That the finalised delivery plan, as set out in Appendix 1, was approved for  implementation by the Crisis & Resilience Fund working group and Voluntary and Community Sector partners and is shared with the Department for Work & Pensions as required as part of this fund.

3.     That Cabinet advocated for and encouraged the entire Council to support the “no-wrong-door approach” for crisis and resilience support both as Portfolio Holders and Local Members.

4.     That further information in various formats (leaflets, PDF, jpg) be made available to members for sharing within their local communities.